Have put yourself in a dangerous situation (such as driving, swimming, and unsafe sex) on one or more occasions while drinking.

Have become tolerant to the effects of drinking and require more alcohol to become intoxicated.

Have continued to drink despite having memory blackouts after drinking or having frequent hangovers that cause you to miss work and other normal activities.

Have continued to drink despite having a medical condition that you know is worsened by alcohol consumption.

Have continued to drink despite knowing it is causing problems at home, school, or work.

Drink alone or start your drinking early in the day.

Screening Tests

There are many screening tests that doctors use to check for alcohol use disorders. Some of these tests you can take on your own. The CAGE test is an acronym for the following questions. It asks:

Have you ever felt you should CUT (C) down on your drinking?

Have people ANNOYED (A) you by criticizing your drinking?

Have you ever felt bad or GUILTY (G) about your drinking?

Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning, to steady your nerves, or to get rid of a hangover [use of alcohol as an EYE-OPENER (E) in the morning]?

If you responded “yes” to at least two of these questions, you may be at risk for alcoholism.

Screening in the Doctor’s Office

Primary care doctors should screen adults for alcohol misuse, according to 2013 guidelines from the U.S Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Doctors can give patients identified at risk brief behavioral counseling interventions to help them address their drinking.

Introduction

Alcohol use disorders refer to excessive drinking behaviors that can create dangerous conditions for an individual and others. Alcohol use disorders are sometimes classified as alcohol abuse (problem drinking) and alcohol dependence (alcoholism).

Alcohol Abuse (Problem Drinking). Alcohol abuse is an unhealthy pattern of excessive drinking that can lead to alcohol dependence (alcoholism). People who abuse alcohol drink too much or too frequently, but they are not yet physically addicted to alcohol. Alcohol abuse often results in adverse outcomes such as:

Failure to fulfill work or personal obligations

Recurrent use of alcohol in potentially dangerous situations

Problems with the law

Continued use in spite of harm being done to social or personal relationships

Alcohol Dependence (Alcoholism). Alcohol dependence is the medical term for alcoholism. Alcohol dependence is physical addiction to alcohol. It is a chronic and oftentimes progressive condition that is characterized by:

Craving -- strong urge to drink

Loss of control -- not being able to limit consumption of alcohol once you start drinking

Tolerance -- increased amounts of alcohol are needed to produce an effect

New Perspectives on Substance Abuse. Experts are evolving on their perspectives and understanding of substance use disorders. In the latest edition of its diagnostic manual, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) removed the distinction between “abuse” and “dependence.” Instead, the APA recommends patients with alcohol issues be diagnosed simply with a single condition, “alcohol use disorder,” with subtypes ranging from mild to severe. The APA also prefers not to use the term “addiction,” for diagnoses because of its “uncertain definition.”

Alcoholism (alcohol dependence) is a chronic illness marked by dependence on alcohol consumption. It interferes with physical or mental health, and social, family, or job responsibilities. This addiction can lead to liver, circulatory, and neurological problems. Pregnant women who drink alcohol in any amount may harm the fetus.

Levels of Drinking

The definition of “one drink” is 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is equivalent to:

12 ounces of beer

5 ounces of wine

1.5 ounces (a jigger or shot) of hard liquor

A person is affected by the amount of alcohol consumed, not the type. Beer and wine are not “safer” than hard liquor; they simply contain less alcohol per ounce.

Light-to-moderate drinking is defined as no more than 2 drinks a day for men or 1 drink a day for women. Light-to-moderate drinking may possibly have health benefits for some people, especially older people with risk factors for heart disease. For other people, such as women at risk for breast cancer, even light drinking may be harmful.

Even small amounts of alcohol should be avoided in certain circumstances, such as before driving a vehicle or operating machinery, during pregnancy, when taking medications that may interact with alcohol, or if you have a medical condition that may be worsened by drinking.

Heavy (at-risk) drinking increases the risk for alcohol use disorders, as well as other health problems. Heavy (at-risk) drinking is defined as:

More than 4 drinks in a day or 14 drinks per week, for men

More than 3 drinks in a day or 7 drinks per week, for women

Causes

The chemistry of alcohol allows it to affect nearly every type of cell in the body, including those in the central nervous system. After prolonged exposure to alcohol, the brain becomes dependent on it. Genetic, psychological, and environmental factors affect the risk of alcoholism, and the time it takes to develop.

Alcohol’s Effect on the Brain

Alcohol alters brain function by interacting with many different chemical messengers in the brain (neurotransmitters). Specifically, alcohol affects the balance between “inhibitory” and “excitatory” neurotransmitters. This balance changes over time:

Short-term alcohol use increases inhibitory neurotransmitters and suppresses excitatory neurotransmitters. In the short term, alcohol has a “depressant” effect. It causes the slowed-down and sluggish speech and movement patterns associated with being drunk. At the same time, alcohol increases pleasurable feelings such as euphoria and a sense of being rewarded.

Long-term alcohol use forces the brain to try to restore balance by decreasing inhibitory neurotransmitter activity and increasing excitatory neurotransmitter levels. This leads to tolerance: Increasing amounts of alcohol are required to produce a pleasurable high. Over the long term, tolerance can lead to addiction.

Genetic Factors

Genetic factors are significant in alcoholism and may account for about half of the total risk for alcoholism. The role that genetics plays in alcoholism is complex and it is likely that many different genes are involved.

However, genes alone do not determine whether someone will become alcohol dependent. Environment, personality, and psychological factors also play a strong role.

Causes of Alcoholic Relapse

When an alcohol-dependent person tries to quit drinking, the brain seeks to restore what it perceives to be its equilibrium. The brain responds with depression, anxiety, and stress (the emotional equivalents of physical pain), which are produced by brain chemical imbalances. These negative moods continue to tempt patients to return to drinking long after physical withdrawal symptoms have resolved. Emotional stress and social pressure also contribute to relapse.

Risk Factors

According to the U.S. National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, about 70% of American adults always drink at low-risk levels or do not drink at all. (Thirty-five percent of Americans do not consume alcohol.) About 28% of American adults drink at levels that put them at risk for alcohol dependence and alcohol-related problems.

There are many different risk factors for alcohol abuse and dependence.

Age

According to surveys, nearly 80% of American adolescents have used alcohol. Anyone who begins drinking in adolescence is at risk for developing alcoholism. The earlier a person begins drinking, the greater the risk. Drinking on a regular basis also increases the risk.

People with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to begin drinking before the age of 20 and to become alcoholic. Young people at highest risk for early drinking are those with a history of abuse, family violence, depression, and stressful life events. Peer pressure is also an important factor as is the portrayal and promotion of alcohol in the media.

Gender

Most alcoholics are men, but alcoholism in women is increasing. Studies suggest that women are more vulnerable than men to many of the long-term consequences of alcoholism. For example, women are more likely than men to develop alcoholic hepatitis and to die from cirrhosis, and women are more vulnerable to the brain cell damage caused by alcohol.

Family History

People with a family history of alcoholism are more likely to have a problem with alcohol disorders. Individuals who were physically or sexually abused as children have a higher risk for substance abuse later in life.

Social and Cultural Factors

Different cultures and societies have different beliefs and expectations regarding drinking and what constitutes acceptable drinking behavior. Alcoholism is not restricted to any specific socioeconomic group or class.

Race and Ethnicity

Overall, there is no difference in alcoholic prevalence among African-Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanic-Americans. Some population groups, such as Native Americans, have an increased risk of alcoholism while others, such as Jewish and Asian Americans, have a lower risk. These differences may be due in part to genetic susceptibility and cultural factors.

Mental Health Disorders

Alcoholism and other substance abuse addictions are very common among people who have mental health problems. Depression is a very common psychiatric problem in people with alcoholism. Studies suggest that long-term alcohol use may cause chemical changes in the brain that increase the risk for depression. Alcohol abuse and dependence is also very common in patients with anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conduct disorders may have a higher risk for alcoholism in adulthood.

Complications

Alcoholism reduces life expectancy by about 10 - 12 years. The earlier people begin drinking heavily, the greater their chance of developing serious illnesses later on.

Alcoholism and Early Death

Alcohol can affect the body in so many ways that researchers have a hard time determining exactly what the consequences are from drinking. Heavy drinking is associated with earlier death. However, it is not just from a higher risk of the more common serious health problems, such as heart attack, heart failure, diabetes, lung disease, or stroke. Chronic alcohol consumption leads to many problems that can increase the risk for death:

People who drink regularly have a higher rate of death from injury or violence.

Alcohol overdose can lead to death. This is a particular danger for adolescents who binge drink.

Delirium tremens is a very serious form of alcohol withdrawal with symptoms that involve mental and nervous system changes. In some cases, it can be fatal.

Alcohol abusers who need surgery have an increased risk of postoperative complications, including infections, bleeding, reduced heart and lung functions, and problems with wound healing. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms after surgery may further stress the patient and delay recuperation.

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that causes damage to liver tissue, scarring of the liver (fibrosis; nodular regeneration), and progressive decrease in liver function.

Fatty liver is an accumulation of fat inside liver cells. It is the most common type of alcohol-induced liver disease and can occur even with moderate drinking. Symptoms include an enlarged liver with pain in the upper right quarter of the abdomen. Fatty liver can be reversed once the patient stops drinking. Fatty liver can also develop without drinking, especially in people who are obese or have type 2 diabetes.

Alcoholic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver that develops from heavy drinking. Symptoms include fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), right-side abdominal pain, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting. Mild cases may not produce symptoms. Patients who are diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis must stop drinking. Patients who continue to drink may go on to develop cirrhosis and liver failure.

Alcoholism also increases the risks for hepatitis B and C, which are associated with increased risks for cirrhosis and liver cancer. Chronic forms of viral hepatitis pose risks for cirrhosis and liver cancer, and alcoholism significantly increases these risks. People with alcoholism should be immunized against hepatitis B. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

Cirrhosis is a progressive and irreversible scarring of the liver that can eventually be fatal. Excessive alcohol use is the leading cause of cirrhosis. Consequences of a failing liver include excessive fluid in the abdomen (ascites), bleeding disorders that increase pressure in certain blood vessels (portal hypertension), and brain function disorders (hepatic encephalopathy).

Between 10 - 20% of people who drink heavily develop cirrhosis. Alcoholic cirrhosis (also sometimes referred to as portal, Laennec’s, nutritional, or micronodular cirrhosis) is the primary cause of cirrhosis in the U.S.

Not eating when drinking and consuming a variety of alcoholic beverages increase the risk for liver damage. Obesity also increases the risk for all stages of liver disease.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Alcoholism can cause many problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Violent vomiting can produce tears in the junction between the stomach and esophagus. It increases the risk for ulcers, particularly in people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. It can also lead to swollen veins in the esophagus, (varices), and to inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) and bleeding.

Alcohol can contribute to serious acute and chronic inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) in people who are susceptible to this condition. There is some evidence of a higher risk for pancreatic cancer in people with alcoholism, although this higher risk may occur mainly in people who are also smokers.

Effect on Heart Disease and Stroke

Moderate amounts (one to two drinks a day) of alcohol can improve some heart disease risk factors, such as increasing HDL (“good cholesterol”) levels. However, there is no definitive proof that moderate drinking improves overall health, and the American Heart Association does not recommend drinking alcoholic beverages solely to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Excessive drinking clearly has negative effects on heart health. Alcohol is a toxin that damages the heart muscle. In fact, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death for alcoholics. Alcohol abuse increases levels of triglycerides (unhealthy fats) and increases the risks for high blood pressure, heart failure, and stroke. In addition, the extra calories in alcohol can contribute to obesity, a major risk factor for many heart problems.

Cancer

Heavy alcohol use increases the risks for mouth, throat, esophageal, gastrointestinal, liver, and colorectal cancers. Even light drinking can increase the risk of breast cancer. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer should consider not drinking at all.

Effects on the Lungs

Pneumonia. Over time, chronic alcoholism can cause severe reductions in white blood cells, which increases the risk for pneumonia. Patients who are alcohol dependent should get an annual pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination. The initial signs of pneumococcal pneumonia are high fever and cough, sometimes with stabbing chest pains. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Skin, Muscle, and Bone Disorders

Severe alcoholism is associated with osteoporosis (loss of bone density), muscular deterioration, skin sores, and itching. Alcohol-dependent women seem to face a higher risk than men for damage to muscles, including the muscles of the heart.

Effects on Reproduction and Fetal Development

Sexual Function and Fertility. Alcoholism increases levels of the female hormone estrogen and reduces levels of the male hormone testosterone, factors that possibly contribute to erectile dysfunction and enlarged breasts in men, and infertility in women. Other increased risks for women include menstruation problems such as absent menstrual periods and abnormal uterine bleeding.

Drinking During Pregnancy and Effects on the Infant. Even moderate amounts of alcohol can have damaging effects on the developing fetus, including low birth weight and an increased risk for miscarriage. High amounts can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition associated with poor growth and developmental delay. The risk for fetal alcohol syndrome is increased depending on when alcohol exposure occurs during pregnancy, the pattern of drinking (4 or more drinks per occasion), and how often alcohol consumption occurs.

Effect on Weight and Diabetes

Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption may help protect the hearts of adults with type 2 diabetes. Heavy drinking, however, is associated with obesity, which is a risk factor for this form of diabetes. In addition, alcohol can cause hypoglycemia, a drop in blood sugar, which is especially dangerous for people with diabetes who take insulin.

Effects on Sleep

Alcohol is associated with insomnia and other sleep disorders. Although alcohol may hasten falling asleep, it causes frequent awakenings throughout the night. Alcohol disrupts sleep patterns—it reduces sleep quality and the amount of time spent in deep sleep. Alcoholics who stop drinking often continue to experience sleep problems for some time.

Effects on Mental Functioning

Both short- and long-term alcohol use adversely affects the brain and causes cognitive impairment, including lapses in memory, attention, and learning abilities. Short-term heavy drinking can cause blackouts. Long-term alcohol use can physically shrink the brain. Depending on length and severity of alcohol abuse, neurologic damage may or may not be permanent. .

Recent high alcohol use (within the last 3 months) is associated with some loss of verbal memory and slower reaction times. Over time, chronic alcohol abuse can impair so-called "executive functions," which include problem solving, mental flexibility, short-term memory, and attention. These problems are usually mild to moderate and can last for weeks or even years after a person quits drinking. In fact, such persistent problems in judgment are possibly one reason for the difficulty in quitting. Alcoholic patients who have co-existing psychiatric or neurologic problems are at particular risk for mental confusion and depression.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

People who are alcohol dependent should be sure to take vitamin and mineral supplements. Deficiencies in vitamin B pose particular health risks. Other vitamin and mineral deficiencies, however, can also cause widespread health problems.

Folate Deficiencies. Alcohol interferes with the metabolism of folate, a very important B vitamin. (In supplement form, folate is called folic acid.) Folate deficiencies can cause severe anemia. Deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to birth defects in the infant.

Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, also called alcohol-related dementia, is a serious consequence of severe thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency. Symptoms of this syndrome include severe loss of balance, confusion, and memory loss. Eventually, it can result in permanent brain damage and death. Once the syndrome develops, oral supplements have no effect, and only a rapid infusion of intravenous vitamin B1 can treat this serious condition.

Peripheral Neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiencies can also lead to peripheral neuropathy, a condition that causes pain, tingling, and other abnormal sensations in the arms and legs.

Drug Interactions

Alcohol interacts with nearly all medications. The effects of many medications are strengthened by alcohol, while others are inhibited. Of particular importance is alcohol's reinforcing effect on anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives, sleep medications, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications.

Alcohol also interacts with many drugs used by people with diabetes. It interferes with drugs that prevent seizures or blood clotting. It increases the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding in people taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen.

In general, people who require medication should use alcohol with great care, if at all.

Increased Risk for Other Addictions

Alcohol and nicotine addiction share common genetic factors, which may partially explain why alcoholics are often smokers. Alcoholics who smoke compound their health problems. In fact, some studies indicate that people who are alcohol-dependent and smoke are more likely to die of smoking-related illnesses than alcohol-related conditions. Abuse of other drugs is also common among alcoholics.

Accidents, Suicide, and Murder

Alcohol plays a large role in accidents, suicide, and crime:

Alcohol plays a major role in more than half of all automobile fatalities.

Alcohol-related automobile accidents are one of the leading causes of death in young people.

Fewer than two drinks can impair the ability to drive. Even one drink may double the risk of injury, and more than four drinks increase the risk by 11 times.

Alcoholism is the primary diagnosis in a quarter of all people who commit suicide.

Alcohol is implicated in over half of all murders.

Domestic Violence and Child Abuse

Alcoholic households are less cohesive and have more conflicts, and their members are less independent and expressive than households with nonalcoholic parents. Domestic violence is a common consequence of alcohol abuse.

Alcoholism in parents also increases the risk for child abuse. Children of alcoholics tend to do worse academically and have a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, stress, and lower self-esteem than their peers. In addition to their own inherited risk for later alcoholism, many children of alcoholics have serious coping problems that may last their entire life.

Adult children of alcoholic parents are at higher risk for divorce and for psychiatric symptoms. One study concluded that the only events with greater psychological impact on children are sexual and physical abuse.

Special Concerns for the Elderly

Doctors may overlook alcoholism when evaluating elderly patients, mistakenly attributing the signs of alcohol abuse to the normal effects of the aging process. But alcohol abuse is a serious concern for older people. Some older people have struggled with alcohol abuse or dependence throughout their lives. Others may turn to alcohol later in life to cope with loss (death of a spouse), loneliness, and depression.

Alcohol affects the older body differently. It takes fewer drinks to become intoxicated, and older organs can be damaged by smaller amounts of alcohol than those of younger people. Alcohol can worsen many conditions common in older populations (diabetes, memory loss, osteoporosis, high blood pressure). It can increase the risk for falls. Also, many of the medications prescribed for older people interact adversely with alcohol.

The Effects of Hangover

Although not traditionally thought of as a medical problem, hangovers have significant consequences. Hangovers can impair job performance, increasing the risk for mistakes and accidents. Hangovers are generally more common in light-to-moderate drinkers than heavy and chronic drinkers, suggesting that binge drinking can be as threatening as chronic drinking. Any man who drinks more than five drinks or any woman who has more than three drinks at one time is at risk for a hangover.

Symptoms

You may be experiencing symptoms of alcohol abuse or dependence if you:

Have little or no control over the quantity you drink or the duration or frequency of your drinking

Have had one or more occasion when you put yourself in a dangerous situation (such as driving, swimming, or unsafe sex) while drinking

Have become tolerant to the effects of drinking and require more alcohol to become intoxicated (the idea of being able to “hold your liquor" is an illusion)

Have continued to drink despite having memory blackouts after drinking or having frequent hangovers that cause you to miss work and other normal activities

Have continued to drink despite having a medical condition that you know is worsened by alcohol consumption

Have continued to drink despite you know it is causing problems at home, school, or work

Drink alone or start your drinking early in the day

Have a history of legal problems caused by your drinking

Alcohol use disorders can develop insidiously, and often there is no clear line between alcohol abuse (problem drinking) and alcohol dependence (alcoholism). Eventually alcohol dominates thinking, emotions, and actions and becomes the primary means through which a person can deal with people, work, and life.

Diagnosis

Sometimes a person can recognize that alcohol is causing problems, and will seek the advice of a doctor on their own. Other times, family, friends, or co-workers may be ones who must encourage the patient to discuss their drinking habits with their doctor. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), only 1 in 6 American adults, including binge drinkers, have ever discussed their alcohol use with a healthcare professional.

Guidelines recommend that primary care doctors routinely screen for alcohol misuse during office visits with their patients. Screening may begin with a simple question: “Do you sometimes drink alcoholic beverages?”

Screening Tests for Alcoholism

A doctor who suspects alcohol abuse should ask the patient questions about current and past drinking habits to distinguish low-risk from at-risk (heavy) drinking. Screening tests for alcohol problems in older people should check for possible medical problems or medications that might place them at higher risk for drinking than younger individuals.

A number of short screening tests are available, which people can even take on their own.

AUDIT Test. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) is specifically recommended as a screening tool by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. It is designed to identify patients at risk for heavy (hazardous) drinking. A short 3-question version asks patients how often in the past year they drink alcohol, how many drinks they typically have on a day when they do consume alcohol, and how often they have had six or more drinks on one occasion.

The full 10-question version of AUDIT asks:

How often do you have a drink containing alcohol?

How many drinks containing alcohol do you have on a typical day when you are drinking?

How often do you have six or more drinks on that occasion?

How often during the last year have you found that you were not able to stop drinking once you had started?

How often during the last year have you failed to do what was normally expected from you because of drinking?

How often during the last year have you been unable to remember what happened the night before because you had been drinking?

How often during the last year have you needed an alcoholic drink first thing in the morning to get yourself going after a night of heavy drinking?

How often during the last year have you had a feeling of guilt or remorse after drinking?

Have you or someone else been injured as a result of your drinking?

Has a relative, friend, doctor, or another health professional expressed concern about your drinking or suggested you cut down?

CAGE Test. The CAGE test is an acronym for the following questions and is one of the quickest screening tests. It asks:

Have you ever felt you should CUT (C) down on your drinking?

Have people ANNOYED (A) you by criticizing your drinking?

Have you ever felt bad or GUILTY (G) about your drinking?

Have you ever had a drink first thing in the morning, to steady your nerves, or to get rid of a hangover (use of alcohol as an EYE-OPENER [E] in the morning)?

Two “yes” responses indicate that the patient has a lifetime history of alcohol problems.

Other Screening Tests. Other screening tests include the Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST), the Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS), and the T-ACE.

Ruling out Other Problems

Some symptoms of alcoholism may be blamed on other factors, particularly in the elderly, whose symptoms of confusion, memory loss, or falling may be due to the aging process. Heavy drinkers may be more likely to complain to their doctors about so-called somatization symptoms, which are vague ailments such as joint pain, intestinal problems, or general weakness that have no identifiable physical cause. Such complaints should signal the doctor to follow-up with screening tests for alcoholism.

Tests for Related Medical Problems

Physical Examination. A physical examination and other tests should be performed to uncover any related medical problems.

Laboratory Tests. Tests for alcohol levels in the blood are not useful for diagnosing alcoholism because they reflect consumption at only one point in time and not long-term usage. Certain blood tests, however, may provide biologic markers that suggest medical problems associated with alcoholism or indications of alcohol abuse:

Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). This compound is a marker for heavy drinking and can be helpful in monitoring patients for progress towards abstinence. It is the only biologic marker approved by the FDA to help detect chronic heavy drinking.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). This liver enzyme is very sensitive to alcohol and can be elevated after moderate alcohol intake and in chronic alcoholism.

Aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransaminases (ALT). These are liver enzymes and are markers for liver damage.

Treatment for Alcoholism

There are many options for treatment for alcohol use disorders. They depend in part on the severity of the patient’s drinking.

Treatment options include:

Behavioral therapy, which may include individual sessions with a health professional and support groups

Medications

Guidelines recommend that primary care doctors do brief behavioral counseling interventions for patients who show signs of risk to help them reduce or stop their drinking. Your doctor may give you an action plan for working on your drinking, ask you to keep a daily diary of how much alcohol you consume, and recommend target goals for your drinking. If your doctor thinks that you have reached the stage of alcoholism, he or she may recommend anti-craving or aversion medication and also refer you to other health care professionals for substance abuse services.

Overall Treatment Goals

The ideal goal of long-term treatment for alcohol dependence is total abstinence. Patients who achieve total abstinence have better survival rates, mental health, and relationships, and they are more responsible parents and employees than those who continue to drink or relapse. To achieve this, the patient aims to avoid high-risk situations and replace the addictive patterns with healthy behaviors.

Because abstinence can be challenging to attain, many professionals choose to treat alcoholism as a chronic disease. In other words, patients should expect and accept relapse but should aim for as long a remission period as possible. Even merely reducing alcohol intake can lower the risk for alcohol-related medical problems.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other alcoholism treatment groups express concern about treatment approaches that do not aim for strict abstinence. Many people with alcoholism are eager for any excuse to start drinking again. There is also no way to determine which people can stop after one drink and which ones cannot.

Evidence strongly suggests that seeking total abstinence and avoiding high-risk situations are the optimal goals for people with alcoholism. A strong social network and family support is also important. Families and friends need to be educated on how to assist, and not enable, the drinker. Support groups such as Al-Anon can be very helpful in providing advice and guidance.

Inpatient Versus Outpatient Treatment

Inpatient Treatment. Inpatient care is usually reserved for patients whose alcoholism places them in immediate danger. Inpatient treatment may be performed in a general or psychiatric hospital or in a center dedicated to treatment of alcohol and other substance abuse. Factors that indicate a need for this type of treatment include:

A physical and psychiatric work-up for any physical or mental disorders

Detoxification -- this phase involves initiating abstinence, managing withdrawal symptoms and complications, and ensuring that the patient remains in treatment

On-going treatment with medications in some cases

Psychotherapy, usually cognitive behavioral therapy

An introduction to AA

Some -- but not all -- studies have reported better success rates with inpatient treatment of patients with alcoholism. However, newer studies strongly suggest that alcoholism can be effectively treated in outpatient settings.

Outpatient Treatment. People with mild-to-moderate withdrawal symptoms are usually treated as outpatients. Treatments are similar to those in inpatient situations and include:

Psychotherapy or counseling

Medications that target brain chemicals involved in addiction

Social support groups such as AA

Cognitive therapies

Involvement of family and other significant people in patient's life

The current approach to outpatient treatment uses “medical management” -- a disease management approach that is used for chronic illnesses such as diabetes. With medical management, patients receive regular 20-minute sessions with a health care provider. The provider monitors the patient’s medical condition, medication, and alcohol consumption.

After-Care and Work Therapy. After-care uses services to help maintain sobriety. For example, in some cities, sober-living houses provide residences for people who are trying to stay sober. They do not offer formal treatment services, but the people living there offer each other support and maintain an abstinent environment.

Factors That Predict Success or Failure after Treatment

About 25% of people are continuously abstinent following treatment, and another 10% use alcohol moderately and without problems. Relapse is common and intensive and prolonged treatment is important for successful recovery, whether the patient is treated within or outside a treatment center.

Treating People Who Have Both Alcoholism and Health Problems

Severe alcoholism is often complicated by the presence of serious medical illnesses. People with alcohol problems should try to maintain a healthy diet and take vitamin supplements. Nutritional deficiencies are a major cause of health problems in people with alcohol use disorders. Women are particularly at risk.

Treating People Who Have Both Alcoholism and Mental Illness

Treatment for patients with both alcoholism and mental illness is particularly difficult. The greater the psychiatric distress a person is experiencing, the more the person is tempted to drink, particularly in negative situations.

There has been some concern that self-help programs such as AA are not effective for patients with dual diagnoses of mental illness and alcoholism because they focus on addiction, not psychiatric problems. Still, studies have reported that they can also help many of these patients.

Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication may help people contending with depression or anxiety disorders. However, in general, these types of medications should be prescribed with caution as they may interact with alcohol. In particular, patients who are currently drinking should never take monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOIs) antidepressants as alcohol can trigger a dangerous spike in blood pressure. People with alcoholism and more complex conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder may require other types of medications.

Treatment for Alcohol Withdrawal

When an alcohol-dependent person stops drinking, withdrawal symptoms begin within 6 - 48 hours and peak about 24 - 35 hours after the last drink. During this period, the inhibition of brain activity caused by alcohol is abruptly reversed. Stress hormones are overproduced, and the central nervous system becomes overexcited. Common symptoms include:

Anxiety

Irritability

Agitation

Insomnia

Additional symptoms may include:

Extremely aggressive behavior

Fever

Rapid heartbeat

Changes in blood pressure (either higher or lower)

Mental disturbances

Seizures occur in about 10% of adults during withdrawal and may involve multiple seizures. The time between the first and last seizure is usually 6 hours or less.

Delirium tremens (DTs) are withdrawal symptoms that become progressively severe and include altered mental states (hallucinations, confusion, severe agitation) or generalized seizures. High fever is common. DTs are potentially fatal. They develop in up to 5% of alcoholic patients, usually 2 - 4 days after the last drink, although they may take 2 or more days to peak.

It is not clear if older people with alcoholism are at higher risk for more severe symptoms than younger patients. However, several studies have indicated that they may suffer more complications during withdrawal, including delirium, falls, and a decreased ability to perform normal activities.

Treatment for Withdrawal Symptoms

The immediate goal of treatment is to calm the patient as quickly as possible. Patients should be observed for at least 2 hours to determine the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Doctors may use assessment tests, such as the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment (CIWA) scale, to help determine treatment and whether the symptoms will progress in severity.

Most people have mild-to-moderate withdrawal symptoms, including agitation, trembling, disturbed sleep, and lack of appetite. In people with moderate symptoms, brief seizures and hallucinations may occur, but they do not progress to full-blown delirium tremens. Such patients can often be treated as outpatients. After being examined and observed, the patient is usually sent home with a 4-day supply of anti-anxiety medication, scheduled for follow-up and rehabilitation, and advised to return to the emergency room if withdrawal symptoms increase in severity. If possible, a family member or friend should support the patient through the next few days of withdrawal.

Benzodiazepines. Anti-anxiety drugs known as benzodiazepines inhibit nerve-cell excitability in the brain and are considered to be the treatment of choice. They relieve withdrawal symptoms, help prevent progression to delirium tremens, and reduce the risk for seizures. Long-acting drugs, such as chlordiazepoxide (Librium, generic) or oxazepam (Serax, generic) are preferred. They pose less risk for abuse than the shorter-acting drugs, which include diazepam (Valium, generic), alprazolam (Xanax, generic), and lorazepam (Ativan, generic).

Benzodiazepines for alcohol withdrawal are usually prescribed for only 3 - 7 days or until symptoms have subsided. Longer-term use of these drugs can lead to dependency. Common side effects of benzodiazepines are daytime drowsiness and a hung-over feeling. Benzodiazepines are potentially dangerous when used in combination with alcohol.

Antiseizure Medications. Antiseizure medications, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol, generic), valproic acid (Depakene), or gabapentin (Neurontin, generic) may be used in some cases instead of a benzodiazepine. They have less potential for abuse or dependency than benzodiazepines, but do not appear to reduce seizures or delirium associated with withdrawal.

Other Supportive Drugs. Beta blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal, generic) and atenolol (Tenormin, generic), are sometimes used in combination with benzodiazepines. They slow heart rate and reduce tremors. They may also reduce alcohol cravings.

Specific Treatment for Severe Symptoms

Treating Delirium Tremens. People with symptoms of delirium tremens must be treated immediately because the condition can be fatal. Treatment usually involves intravenous administration of anti-anxiety medications. It is extremely important that fluids be administered. Restraints may be necessary to prevent injury to the patient or to others.

Treating Seizures. Seizures are usually self-limited and treated with a benzodiazepine. Intravenous phenytoin (Dilantin, generic) along with a benzodiazepine may be used in patients who have a history of seizures, who have epilepsy, or in those with ongoing seizures. Because phenytoin may lower blood pressure, the patient's heart should be monitored during treatment.

Medications for Alcohol Dependence

Naltrexone and acamprosate are anticraving drugs. Disulfiram is an aversion drug. Other types of medications, such as antidepressants, may also be used to treat patients with alcoholism.

Anticraving Medications

Anticraving drugs are opioid antagonists. These drugs reduce the intoxicating effects of alcohol and the urge to drink.

Naltrexone. Naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol, generic) is approved for the treatment of alcoholism and helps reduce alcohol dependence in the short term for people with moderate-to-severe alcohol dependency. ReVia, a pill that is taken daily by mouth, is the oral form of this medication. Vivitrol is a once-a-month injectable form of naltrexone.

Naltrexone should be prescribed along with psychotherapy or other supportive medical management. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, which are usually mild and temporary. Other side effects include headache and fatigue. High doses can cause liver damage. The drug should not be given to anyone who has used narcotics within 7 - 10 days.

It is important that patients take the pill form of naltrexone (Revia, generic) on a daily basis. Because many patients have difficulty sticking to this daily regimen, a monthly injection of Vivitrol may be an easier option. However, some patients suffer adverse injection-site reactions, including spreading skin infections and abscesses. Patients should monitor the injection site for pain, swelling, tenderness, bruising, or redness and contact their doctors if these symptoms do not improve within 2 weeks.

Naltrexone does not work in all patients. Some studies suggest that people with a specific genetic variant may respond better to the drug than those without the gene.

Researchers are studying the effectiveness of combining naltrexone with acamprosate (Campral, generic), particularly for individuals who have not responded to single drug treatment.

Acamprosate. Acamprosate (Campral, generic) is a newer anti-craving medication. It works by inhibiting the transmission of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). Studies indicate that it reduces the frequency of drinking and, in combination with psychotherapy, improves quality of life even in patients with severe alcohol dependence. The drug may cause occasional diarrhea and headache. It also can impair certain memory functions but does not alter short-term working memory or mood. People with kidney problems should use acamprosate cautiously. For some patients, combination therapy with naltrexone or disulfiram may provide greater benefit than acamprosate alone.

Aversion Medications

Disulfiram. Aversion medications have properties that interact with alcohol to produce distressing side effects. Disulfiram (Antabuse, generic) causes flushing, headache, nausea, and vomiting if a person drinks alcohol while taking the drug. The symptoms can be triggered after drinking half a glass of wine or half a shot of liquor and may last from half an hour to 2 hours, depending on dosage of the drug and the amount of alcohol consumed. One dose of disulfiram is usually effective for 1 - 2 weeks. Overdose can be dangerous, causing low blood pressure, chest pain, shortness of breath, and even death. The drug is more effective if patients have family or social support, including AA "buddies," who are close by and vigilant to ensure that they take it.

Other Drugs

None of the following drugs are approved for treatment of alcohol dependence, although they are sometimes prescribed “off label.”

Topiramate. Topiramate (Topamax, generic) is an anti-seizure drug used to treat epilepsy. It also helps control impulsivity. Studies indicate it may help treat alcohol dependence. In one well-designed study, patients who took topiramate had fewer heavy drinking days, fewer drinks per day, and more continuous days of abstinence than patients who received placebo. Side effects include change in taste sensation, loss of appetite and weight, and difficulty concentrating.

Gabapentin. Gabapentin (Neurontin, generic) is another anti-seizure drug that is being studied for treating alcohol dependence. In some studies it has shown promise for helping patients cope with symptoms such as insomnia, craving, and mental discomfort. Side effects include sleepiness, headache, fatigue, and dizziness. Some weight gain may occur.

Baclofen. Baclofen (Lioresal, generic) is a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic drug. It is being investigated for its benefits in helping maintain abstinence, particularly in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.

Psychotherapy and Behavioral Methods

Standard forms of psychotherapy for alcoholism include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Combined behavioral intervention

Interactional group psychotherapy based on the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12-step program

These approaches are all effective when the program is competently administered. Specific people may do better with one program than another.

Interactional Group Psychotherapy (Alcoholics Anonymous)

AA, which was founded in 1935, is an excellent example of interactional group psychotherapy. It remains the most well-known program for helping people with alcoholism. AA offers a very strong support network using group meetings open 7 days a week in locations all over the world. A buddy system, group understanding of alcoholism, and forgiveness for relapses are AA's standard methods for building self-worth and alleviating feelings of isolation.

AA's 12-step approach to recovery includes a spiritual component that might deter people who lack religious convictions. AA emphasizes that the "higher power" component of its program need not refer to any specific belief system. Associated membership programs, Al-Anon and Alateen, offer help for family members and friends.

The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous

We admit we were powerless over alcohol -- that our lives have become unmanageable.

We have come to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

We have made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God, as we understand what this Power is.

We have made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

We have admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

We are entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

We have humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.

We have made a list of all persons we had harmed and have become willing to make amends to them all.

We have made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

We have continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

We have sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understand what this higher Power is, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out.

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we have tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) uses a structured teaching approach and may be better than AA for people with severe alcoholism. Patients are given instruction and homework assignments intended to improve their ability to cope with basic living situations, control their behavior, and change the way they think about drinking. The following are examples of approaches:

Patients might write a history of their drinking experiences and describe what they consider to be risky situations.

They are then assigned activities to help them cope when exposed to "cues" (places or circumstances that trigger their desire to drink).

Patients may also be given tasks that are designed to replace drinking.

CBT may be especially effective when used in combination with opioid antagonists, such as naltrexone. CBT that addresses alcoholism and depression is an important treatment for patients with both conditions.

Combined Behavioral Intervention

Combined behavioral intervention (CBI) is a newer form of therapy that uses special counseling techniques to help motivate people with alcoholism to change their drinking behavior. CBI combines elements from other psychotherapy treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and 12-step programs. Patients are taught how to cope with drinking triggers. Patients also learn strategies for refusing alcohol so that they can achieve and maintain abstinence. In a well-designed study, CBI -- combined with regular doctor’s office visits (medical management) -- worked as well as naltrexone in successfully treating alcoholism.

Behavioral Therapies for Partners

Partners of people with alcoholism can also benefit from behavioral approaches that help them cope with their mate. Children of an alcoholic mother or father may do better if both parents participate in couples-based therapy, rather than just treating the parent with alcoholism.

Treating Sleep Disturbances

Nearly all patients who are alcohol dependent suffer from insomnia and other sleep problems, which can last months to years after abstinence. Sleep disturbances may even be important factors in relapse. Available therapies include sleep hygiene, bright light therapy, meditation, relaxation methods, and other nondrug approaches. Many of the medications for insomnia are not recommended for people with alcoholism.

Alternative Medicine

Some people try other methods, such as acupuncture, hypnosis, or relaxation techniques. Such approaches are not harmful, although it is not clear how effective they are.

O'Shea RS, Dasarathy S, McCullough AJ; Practice Guideline Committee of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases; Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology. Alcoholic liver disease. Hepatology. 2010;51(1):307-328.